Student Exchange Programme

Deadlines

Eligibility

1. Completed at least one year of full-time study at one of UBD’s partner universities;
2. Nominated by the International Office (or equivalent) of home university;
3. Achieved a minimum of CGPA 2.5 (out of 4.0) or 3.0 (out of 5);
4. English proficiency of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 or equivalent.
5. Must have a passport with at least 6 months of validity from date of departure from Brunei after end of programme at UBD.

Application Process (3 Phases)

Application Phase 1 (by 27 September 2025)

1. Submit the tentative module choices (4 modules) you would like to take in UBD. Modules here: Click here for indication (from Semester 2, 2024-2025) of Semester 2, 2024-2025 modules.
2. Modules here: Click here for indication of Semester 2, 2024-2025 modules.
3. Kindly ensure to clearly list down the complete module code and title in this form (click here).
4. Submit a clear scanned copy of passport photo page
5. Submit certified true copies of:
   1. Latest academic transcript
   2. Latest English proficiency test score

Once the module choices are accepted, we will email the applicant to complete an online form. Please wait to hear.

Application Phase 2 (After Accepted by Faculty in UBD, please wait to hear)

1. Submit copy of completed medical check (please click here);

Application Phase 3 (After Medical Check Passed, please wait to hear)

1. Submit a copy of comprehensive medical insurance valid in Brunei for duration of study in UBD. Please ensure it is a comprehensive insurance that covers the whole period of student stay at UBD, medical treatment including COVID-19 care and repatriation.
2. Submit a copy of flight booking itinerary with your name clearly stated in the booking. Kindly confirm your travel dates with us prior to purchasing your tickets. No tickets should be purchased before receiving the visa on arrival letter (VOA) from our office.
3. Submit completed accommodation reservation form.

Pre Arrival

Visa

UBD will process a visa-on-arrival for all exchange students.

1. Submit a clear scanned copy of passport photo page and copy of medical insurance at least one month in advance of arrival.
2. Upon arrival, the International Students Unit (ISU) will endorse the visa-on-arrival and convert it to a student visa within two weeks. Please make an appointment to see the International Students Unit (ISU) by emailing office.isu@ubd.edu.bn immediately after you have arrived in UBD.
3. Once their studies have ended in UBD, all exchange/non-graduating students must cancel the student visa at least two (2) weeks prior to leaving the university. Please make an appointment to see International Students Unit (ISU) (office.isu@ubd.edu.bn) no less than two (2) weeks prior to planned departure date. Kindly note that you are not allowed to travel in and out of Brunei within the two weeks of your visa cancellation, prior to your final departure from Brunei. Please therefore plan your travels carefully.

E-Arrival Card
All inbound students to UBD are required to register and complete the E-Arrival Card prior to their travel to Brunei Darussalam. To complete the E-Arrival Card please do the below:

1. Read the guideline on how to register and complete the E-Arrival Card here.
2. The E-Arrival Card can be completed at this link https://www.imm.gov.bn
3. Keep a screenshot of the E-Arrival Card registration confirmation page that should have your unique Reference Number.

Arrival

Arrival and Term Dates

Airport Transfer

All exchange/ non-graduating students have the option to arrange airport transfer together with their accommodation reservation (the airport transfer fee is to be paid directly to UBD Corp, the on-campus accommodation provider). Whenever possible, UBD student ambassadors will be at the airport to welcome exchange/non-graduating students, with proper sign indicating ‘Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)’.

Accommodation

UBD Global Relations Office will assist in booking on-campus accommodation for all exchange/non-graduating students, subject to availability, at the Core Residential College.

The Core Residential College consists of self-contained single-gender apartments. Each apartment is fully air-conditioned with 5 single-gender bedrooms with desk and wardrobe, shared kitchen, shared living space and shared bathroom as well as washing machine. Rental is BND250 per month (utilities included), and deposit of one month’s rent (paid in BND cash)

To apply for accommodation, please return the accommodation reservation form at least one month prior to arrival in Brunei.

Fees and Living Costs

Visa Fees

1. BND20 for the visa on arrival (to be paid at the Brunei International Airport or other international port of entry, at the Visa on Arrival counter or equivalent). For Singaporean and Malaysian citizens, this fee is waived.
2. The following student visa fees are to be paid in UBD to International Students Unit during endorsement of the visa on arrival (if student wishes to leave Brunei at any point during their duration of study with UBD e.g. for holiday):
   • Single-entry visa (one exit and return to Brunei) = BND20;
   • Multiple-entry visa (multiple exits and returns back to Brunei) = BND30 (less than 3 months); BND50 (3 to 12 months).

Tuition Fees and Expenses

1. Tuition fees are waived during the exchange period, for students from partner universities.
2. All other expenses (including accommodation) will be borne by the student.

Estimated Living Cost

USD$300 to USD$600 per month for living expenses (excluding accommodation costs).
USD$1 = BND$1.30 (as of 14 May 2025, subject to change thereafter).

Academic Information

Important Dates

• 05 January 2026 to 11 January 2026: Freshers’ Week
• 12 January 2026 – 17 May 2026: Semester 1
• 12 January 2026 – 01 March 2026: Teaching Period (Week 1 to Week 7) 
• 02 March 2026 – 08 March 2026: Mid-Semester Break
• 09 March 2026 – 26 April 2026: Teaching Period (Week 8 to Week 14)
• 27 April 2026 – 03 May 2026:  Revision Week
• 04 May 2026 – 17 May 2026: Examination Weeks
• 18 May2026 – 02 August 2026: Examination Weeks

Available Modules

1. Please peruse through the individual academies/faculties at: https://www.ubd.edu.bn/admission/undergraduate/gennext-degree-programme/degree-programmes/
2. Click Here for indication Semester 1, 2025-2026 modules.

Note :

• All exchange/non-graduating students will not be allowed to enroll for any graduate modules, without approval of the faculty concerned;
• Non-Malay speaking exchange/non-graduating students are not encouraged to enroll in any Malay language or Malay-taught modules, without any prior proven proficiency.

Average Course Load Per Semester
Minimum: 16 modular credits (4 modules)
Maximum: 20 modular credits (5 modules)

Transcripts
Global Relations Office will email the documents to the International Office of the student’s home university (kindly note we do not email these directly to students). Hard copies can be made available upon request from the home university International Office. Transcripts are normally only available one month after last date of exams in UBD.

Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you to Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)!